Meetings over stadium axe

Jun 5 2006 By Emma Cullwick, Birmingham Mail

RESIDENTS left dismayed after plans to create a £50 million sports and entertainment complex in Redditch were axed are being given a chance to speak out over their views.

The Abbey Stadium development, planned for the outskirts of Redditch, would have seen the 28-acre site transformed, including a new swimming pool, ice rink, snow dome, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Bosses at Redditch Borough Council had hoped it would make the town a focal point of the Midlands, drawing visitors from across the region.

Outline planning permission was granted two years ago, but the application was referred to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

He called for an inquiry, and last month the Birmingham Mail reported how the Secretary of State had snubbed the proposals.

Now 13 neighbourhood group meetings are to be held in Redditch at which residents can express their views about the stadium, as well as any other issues they may have.

The first meetings were scheduled for today at the Windmill Community Centre, in Rye Grass Lane, and at Oakenshaw Community Centre, in Castleditch Lane, both at 7pm.

Meetings planned for this Wednesday will take place at Harry Taylor House Communal Lounge, in Winstone Close, Lakeside, at 7pm and Astwood Bank Church Hall, in Church Road, at 7.30pm.

More meetings are planned for June 13, starting 7pm, one at Redditch Town Hall and another at Gordon Anstis House Communal Room, in Loxley Close.

On June 15, a meeting is planned at Webheath Village Hall, Heathfield Road, at 7pm, while on June 19, they switch to Matchborough West Community Centre, Clifton Close, and Walkwood Middle School, Feckenham Road.

Two meetings take place on June 21, at Arthur Jobson House, Sedgeley Close, and Auxerre House, in Auxerre Avenue.

Finally, the community centre in Cherry Tree Walk and Tenacres Community Centre, in Quibury Close, both stage meetings on June 29.

* For more information, call democratic services at Redditch Borough Council on 01527 64252, or e-mail janice.smyth@redditchbc.gov.uk.

* Have your say on this story at www.birminghammail.net/news/yoursay